Willie and the Hand Jive

Eric Clapton

About Willie and the Hand Jive

"Willie and the Hand Jive" is a song written by Johnny Otis and originally released as a single in 1958 by Johnny Otis, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #5 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song has a Bo Diddley beat and was partly inspired by the music sung by a chain gang Otis heard while he was touring. The lyrics are about a man who became famous for doing a dance with his hands, but the song has been accused of glorifying masturbation, though Otis has always denied it. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including The Strangeloves, Eric Clapton, Cliff Richard, Kim Carnes, George Thorogood and The Grateful Dead. Clapton's 1974 version was also released as a single and also reached the Billboard Top 40, peaking at #26. Thorogood's 1985 version reached #25 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. 


Year:
1982
3:28
91 

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I know a cat named Way-Out Willie
Had a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie
Made a heart of stone Susie-Q, doin' that crazy hand jive too
Papa said "You will ruin my house.
You and that hand jive have got to go"
Willie said "Papa, don't you put me down,
Been doin' that hand jive all over town."
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive

I don't want you to get on the floor
Gettin' low, getting down with sister go
Come on, get baby, little sister'll die
Said doin' that hand jive one more time
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive

Doctor getting low and he getting check
Now they're all digging that crazy beat
Way-Out Willie gave 'em all a treat
Been doin' that hand jive with his feet
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive

Willi and Billie got married last fall
Had to live with his sisters and that ain't all
Daddy got famous it's plain to see
Been doin' that hand jive on his knees
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive

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Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. more »

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Written by: JOHNNY OTIS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard, a British singer, and actor recorded a cover version of "Willie and The Hand Jive" in 1960. His rendition of the song was featured on his album "Me and My Shadows".
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, the iconic British rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, included a cover version of "Willie And The Hand Jive" in his 1974 album "461 Ocean Boulevard". - Clapton's version of the song reached #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
George Thorogood
American musician George Thorogood included "Willie And The Hand Jive" in his 1985 album "Maverick". His version of the song was also very popular.
Johnny Otis
"Willie And The Hand Jive" was written and originally sung by Johnny Otis, an American singer-songwriter, arranger, and talent scout. - The song was released in 1958 and became a huge hit, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. - Johnny Otis' song is unique as it made the hand jive dance popular in America.
Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes, an American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive raspy vocal style, also included "Willie And The Hand Jive" in a 1991 benefit tribute album, "Rhythm, Country and Blues".
General Facts About "Willie and the Hand Jive
- "Willie and the Hand Jive" has a timeless rock 'n' roll rhythm which demonstrates the fusion of rock music with traditional African-American song forms. - The song is a staple of classic rock and oldies radio stations. - The dance, "Hand Jive," associated with the song became a significant cultural phenomenon and was commonly seen in dance clubs and parties in the mid-20th century. - The song continues to be popular and is often played at concerts, music festivals, and is included in several famous movie soundtracks.

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    Willie and the Hand Jive

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #26


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